New Beginnings

Note: I wrote the gist of the following in my journal in December 1997. However, the message remains true and applicable to us today. 

As I reflect on all that happened last year, I also look toward the New Year and wonder what it will hold. None of us knows what's ahead, not even in the next hour. But I take comfort in this sentence I read in a little booklet as I waited for an appointment: “Every ending holds the promise of a new beginning.” 

I like that, don't you? Whether the ending is a good thing or a bad thing, it does hold the promise of a new beginning. Perhaps it holds an opportunity to start over.  Or an opportunity to experience growth of various kinds—emotional, mental, financial, spiritual, social, leadership, etc.  That’s exciting!

On the other hand, new beginnings can be scary.  However, there’s much wisdom expressed in an old song, these bits and snatches of which came to mind as I thought about what might be ahead:

“I don’t worry o’er the future.  I just live from day to day.  I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray.  I don’t worry about tomorrow.  It may bring me poverty.  But the One who feeds the sparrow is the One who stands by me.”

How wonderful to know that—no matter what changes (i.e. new beginnings) are ahead —God stands by us! Yes, by you. And by me. And... aren't we glad that we do not go alone into the new beginnings? That we get to hold His hand as He leads us into tomorrow, into the time of new beginnings?

To listen to the entire song, please click here.

Ignore the Naysayers

A college student encountered many challenges, especially during her senior year. Several of the professors doubted her ability to teach well and to pass the teacher certification tests. They strongly urged her to give up her dream of becoming a teacher, but she refused.

She continued to study hard and to do her best, even though getting a good grade required much more effort from her than it did from other students. Despite the long hours she studied at her desk in her dorm room and/or in the library, she remained cheerful and determined to graduate with her class and to pass the teacher certification exams.

Thankfully, she didn't give up on her dreams! She went on to become a much-loved, compassionate, and competent teacher. When she died of cancer long before time for her to retire, her students (current and former) and their parents turned out in droves to attend the visitation and the funeral service. Their response meant so much to her dear husband and children and grandchildren because they realized the community also deeply loved and appreciated her.

But she might not have had such a well-lived life if she'd listened to those who thought she'd never amount to much!

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Eternal [God], "plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope--never forget that. 
~Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE

Where Are You Heading?

Tomorrow

Sunset at Fort Bragg, California
God knows all about tomorrow.
He holds it in His hands.
~unknown

Right Attitude

Sanibel Island (Florida) Sunset

Create in me a clean heart, O God; 

and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10, King James Version